It all started about 12 months ago, when Kiama physiotherapist Mark Burns began walking each weekday morning around Kiama Harbour. Soon a few friends began to join him, then complete strangers, and The Man Walk Kiama was born.

Early this year one of those friends, Woonona High School teacher Dave Hoole, brought the walk to Wollongong on a Friday morning.

This week, through social media, he reached out to 'any gents in the Wollongong area, doing it tough or don't want to be on your own for a little while, maybe want a laugh' to come walk, talk too.

The reply was swift, and surprising. On Friday afternoon The Man Walk Facebook post had been shared over 4500 times; 7300 had liked the post and there'd been hundreds of comments.

Meantime the founders have been inundated with messages from across Australia, from people in cities and country towns seeking advice on how to set up their own Man Walk.

Messages too from many men, some in dark places, who want to join in the movement; and from their wives, girlfriends, mothers and sisters too.

It's been a bit overwhelming, said Mr Hoole, and it has revealed the need in the community for such free, informal support.

"We've helped groups set up in other areas - there's now groups in Newcastle, Canberra and Queensland, and more starting," he said. "It's always been about providing a safe place for blokes to get together and support each other, there's nothing too formal about it.

"There's blokes of all different ages and walks of life, some come on their own, others with friends, there's fathers and sons.

"Some have been touched by suicide, some have family issues - we all have troubles of our own. But for many men it can be daunting to get professional help, they just want a support crew."

They don't take their responsibility lightly though, and are creating resource packs for those men wanting professional help.

"We're not psychologists, we're not there to give advice," Mr Burns said. "We're there to listen and share stories. And it's obviously filling a gap for men who want a bit of activity, a bit of communication - to talk about what's making them happy, or sad.

"However because there's been such interest, we are trying to create links with organisations and local professionals so if men are seeking something more professional, we can guide them in the right direction."

Mr Burns has undertaken mentor training, and would like other men to have that opportunity too.

"I'm passionate about community mentoring. It's about having good men in local communities who can come and have a conversation and let people know they have someone on their side."

The Kiama walk starts at 5.45am at Short Black Coffee, Terralong St each weekday; the Friday Wollongong walk meets at 5.45am outside Diggies at North Beach. For details on these and other walks visit www.themanwalk.com, which is set to go live on Friday night.